Passion Never Retires for Michelle Clarke

I am a global leadership and branding coach, an improv teacher, a story-teller, a traveler and a photographer. I am a South African who is currently living in Santiago de Chile.

What is it that I love about my work? As a person with many interests, my work is a smorgasbord of diverse projects – I coach clients virtually across the globe via Skype and other technologies, I train people to be coaches in collaboration with a leading university, I train Improvised acting, I participate in story telling and debate, I pursue personal branding and photography and I make as much time as I can to travel and learn from it. I love the variety of my work.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Those moments when I am wrapped in a complete sense of ease and ok-ness, feeling safe and part of the oneness of everything.

What is my greatest fear? That I will stop being curious. That I could become jaded by life and no longer see it as magical and wondrous. That I might settle for mediocre and conventional instead of questioning into a more powerful version of myself.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? ‘Deplore’ is a strong word!I don’t think I deplore traits in myself. I do wish I could focus better and not investigate every new shiny thing that sparks my interest!

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Not necessarily the famous, rich or most talked-about, although I do admire these people if they are committed and striving each day to better themselves and others. I admire all individuals who consciously walk a path of self-learning and discovery and honest contribution. I admire leaders who inspire and influence and lead people toward sustainable self-sufficiency, even in the face of challenging times.

On what occasion would I lie? When in extreme fear and/or to protect the people I love

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Filing everything neatly away – I work like a creative – with papers and notes all over my desk and loads of unsorted documents on my computer desktop. I’m slightly embarrassed about this!

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’ve always been happy in my work and wherever I go. I’m a passionate person who pours that passion into her work It’s always been a source of joy to me.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I’ll eliminate all things that stop me from meditating with ease

What is my greatest achievement in work? That I have created a career for myself that has allowed me to move continents, make humble investments, generate a comfortable income, remain debt-free, and be self-sustainable. And that I get to work with people from all across the globe.

Where would I most like to live? In an environment that nurtures and inspires me. And in my experience, the actual place might be a city or the country or the beach, deepening on the nurturing and inspiration I need at different times of my life.

What is my most treasured possession? My passport and my lipstick. One allows me to travel and the other to feel good while I do it.

What is my most marked characteristic? Curiosity.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I love the buzz of La Vega fruit and vegetable market in downtown Santiago. It’s full of aromas, flavours, colours and colourful people.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? To my mind, one can find the best Bloody Mary in the world at Mestizo Restaurant at Parque Bicentenario in Santiago

What books influenced my life and how? I bought a copy of Anthony Robbin’s ‘Release the Giant Within’ when I was 19. It’s still a companion to me. Within it I found the gift of self-enquiry and self-responsibility for creating a life we love.

Who are my favorite writers? Poets – Rumi, Tagore, Aurobindo, Neruda

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? The Gayatri Mantra sung by Deva Premal

What role does art play in my life and work? I’m a keen photographer and love the process of photo editing. Photography as an important medium for my self-expression and reflection. I also teach and perform improvised acting – another fun art form! I weave my art into my work as I create all my own material for coaching, teaching and training.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My community of improvisors, fellow coaches, clients and friends.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018? Globally-minded people, visionaries, generous listeners and thinkers (fortunately, I am already working with such people in the global coaches masterminds that I facilitate)

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2018? David Drake

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? Later this year I will facilitate the Foundations for Executive Coaching training for University of Cape Town as the Head Tutor. I am excited to share my wealth of coaching experience with those who study with us. It’s a boon for me to be able to do this virtually from a different continent and thus offer the students a different perspective.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? Feel free to watch my story on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. You’ll find me by searching for ‘Motivcoach’ or Michelle Clarke

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? The word ‘retire’ implies some sort of cessation or withdrawal from activities. That can be so. But passion need not retire or withdraw unless we will it so. We might stop a project or stop work altogether, but passion can still be nurtured, tended and redirected into any life activities. To me, life is an adventure, an exploration, an experiment – passion is the ingredient that makes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.

Which passionate professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? These talented improvisers and amazing people;